Howden Joinery Group plc is pleased to announce the appointment of Mark Allen as an independent non-executive director, with effect from 31 May 2011. He will also be a member of the Audit, Remuneration and Nomination Committees.

Mark is CEO of Dairy Crest Group plc. After a brief period at Shell between 1986-1991, Mark joined Dairy Crest in 1991 as a general manager and, after being promoted through a variety of roles including Sales & Operations Director and two divisional Managing Director roles, he was appointed to Dairy Crest's main Board in 2002, becoming Chief Executive in 2006.

Commenting on the appointment, Will Samuel, Chairman, said, "We are delighted that Mark has agreed to join the Board as a non-executive director. The experience he already has as a main Board director of Dairy Crest will enable him to make an important contribution to the Howden Joinery Board".

There is no further information which is required to be disclosed in accordance with 9.6.13R of the Listing Rules.

Annual General Meeting

The Group is holding its Annual General Meeting today. No new information on current trading will be given during the meeting.